Page 16 of Rugged Courage

Idon’t know, Brit. It’s not that simple,” I say, pacing the worn floorboards of Dane’s living room.

My sister’s voice crackles through the phone, a mix of concern and exasperation. “Come on, Cece. You haven’t even been gone a week, and you’re what? Telling me you’re not coming home? This isn’t like you to up and change your whole life for some...vacation fling.”

I pause by the window, gazing out at the rugged beauty of King Mountain. This place is so different from the rest of my life, but I want it. I need it. Working with Dane and Waylon? My life finally has a purpose that hasn’t been dictated by my parents.

“It’s not a fling,” I insist, my voice stronger now. “And I’m not changing my whole life. I’m...embracing it.”

Britney sighs, the sound tinny through the connection. “Alright, spill. What’s so special about this place? And don’t tell me it’s the scenery.”

I take a deep breath, inhaling the crisp mountain air seeping through the open window. The scent of pine and wildflowers fills my lungs, grounding me. “It’s not just the place, Brit. It’s...there’s someone.”

“I knew it!” Britney’s triumphant crow makes me wince. “So, who is he?”

“His name is Dane,” I say, unable to keep the smile from my voice. Saying his name sends a warm flutter through my chest. “And he’s...different.”

“Different, how?”

I hesitate, searching for the right words to describe the man who’s turned my world upside down in the best possible way. “He’s genuine. Kind. Strong, but not in that macho way. He’s a little older. He understands me in a way no one ever has before. He sees me for me. He had no idea who our family was and treated me like a normal person. You wouldn’t believe how refreshing that is.”

“Sounds dreamy,” Britney teases, but I detect a note of genuine interest. “So, what’s the deal? You thinking of staying there longer?”

“I’m planning on staying, period,” I admit, my stomach fluttering with nerves and excitement. My future seems more certain now that I’ve said the words to my sister.

“Cece,” Britney finally says after a long pause, her voice gentle. “Are you sure about this? I mean, how well can you know this guy?”

“I know it sounds crazy,” I say, running a hand through my hair. “But Brit, when I’m with Dane, everything just...clicks. We share the same values, the same outlook on life. And the attraction between us...” I trail off, heat burning my cheeks as I remember our night together at Creek Ravine.

“Ooh, do tell.” Britney giggles, and I can’t help but laugh.

“Let’s just say it’s...intense,” I admit, remembering Dane’s hands on my skin, how I felt like I was falling into something deep, and that Dane was there to catch and protect me. “But it’s more than that. When I’m with him, I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I know it’s different from life at home, but it…it feels right.”

“Wow,” Britney says softly. “You’re serious about this, aren’t you?”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I am. Dane’s a big part of why I want to stay, but it’s not just about him. This place, these mountains...I can breathe here, really breathe, for the first time in my life.” I stop myself, not wanting to reveal what Waylon and the other men do up here.

“I get it,” Britney says, surprising me. “I mean, I don’t get it-get it, but I can hear it in your voice. You sound... happy. Really happy.”

“I am,” I whisper, a lump forming in my throat.

“Then I’m happy for you, sis,” Britney says warmly. “But be careful, okay? And call me if you need anything. You know I’m always here for you, even if I don’t understand your sudden desire to become a mountain woman.”

“I will,” I promise, laughing at her teasing. “Love you, Brit.”

“Love you too, weirdo.”

As I end the call, I see Dane standing in the doorway to the front porch, looking at me.

“Hey,” he calls, his deep voice sending a shiver down my spine. “Everything okay with your sister?”

I step out onto the porch, drinking in the sight of him. The sun glints off his light hair, and his blue eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles at me. He’s wearing a simple flannel shirt with well-worn jeans, and he looks like the most handsome man on the planet.

“Yeah, surprisingly, it is. Whether my parents will be is something I’ll work out another day.”

“Can I get you anything?” Dane asks, his voice low and intimate.

“You can get me into bed,” I tease, squeezing his ass.

“You saucy minx.” He grins and leads me back inside.

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